In a historic, first-of-its-kind move for the British television industry, multi-channel broadcaster UKTV and BBC Entertainment have teamed up to co-commission a bold new comedy entertainment format.
By pooling their commissioning budgets, the two broadcasting giants have issued an open call to production companies to pitch fresh, innovative concepts. This strategic collaboration aims to deliver a scalable, cost-efficient comedy format specifically tailored to secure high-volume viewing across both modern digital streaming platforms and traditional linear networks.
The resulting project will be a 10-part series of 30-minute episodes with a unique multi-platform rollout strategy. It is scheduled to premiere on UKTV’s U&Dave channel and its free streaming service, U, before subsequently making its way to BBC Two and iPlayer audiences. Broadcasters are hunting for light, warm, and distinctive concepts centered around camaraderie, delivering a repeatable format that works just as well for binge-watching as it does for casual viewers dipping in and out.
Furthermore, the brief specifies that the talent lineup must bridge the gap between emerging comedic voices and established talent, anchored by at least one major audience-drawing name to lead the series.
